Ministry Center Dedicated in New York
Ebenezer Urban Ministry Center (EUMC) is now open after 12 years in the making. It was dedicated on September 16, 2023 with church and community leaders on hand to cut the ribbon. The following is the account of that journey from EUMC leaders:
EUMC, formerly the Church of God of East Flatbush, has a rich 53 year history of service, community impact and now property development. In 2011 the Church of God of East Flatbush under the leadership of Bishop R.C. Hugh Nelson took a leap of faith and purchased Ebenezer Plaza, two city blocks for $8.1million dollars and after rezoning the property, saw its value rise to $12.5 million.
Ebenezer Plaza (click photo to enlarge)
After serving as landlords to 22 tenants for several years the congregation began the task of finding the right developer as partner and to secure political support and endorsement through engagement with community boards, Borough Hall and City Council. Following a long and arduous journey we were successful in rezoning the property for residential and commercial usage with the blessing of the New York City Council.
The then Borough President of Brooklyn not only endorsed the vision but contributed $1.5 million towards the project. We completed Ebenezer Plaza in 2023 at which point the congregation moved into a state-of-the-art sanctuary and ministry space on the ground floor and basement with 315 apartments above.
Ebenezer Plaza is a three-phased, $364 million project, which began when the Church of God of East Flatbush partnered with Brisa Builders in 2014. Brisa subsequently partnered with Evergreen City and Procida Development Group, and the four formed Ebenezer Plaza Owners LLC to develop 523 affordable housing units while creating a 43,000 square foot ministry space where families could receive spiritual and social services, a new home for the Church as well as close to 25,000 square feet of commercial retail space.
The grand opening of our ministry center further amplifies our vision to provide tangible services every day of the week to the Brownsville, Brooklyn, NY community. The Ebenezer Urban Ministry Center is located at 660 Powell Street, Brooklyn, NY 11212. Confirmed to be in attendance at the service were NYC Mayor, Eric Adams, Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, State Senator Zellnor Myrie, Assembly member Monique Chandler-Waterman and HUD Regional Director Alicka Ampry-Samuel.
Church of God General Overseer Tim Hill stated, “Dr. R.C. Hugh Nelson and First Lady Diana Nelson, along with a magnificent team of devoted ministers and volunteers, began with a vision to transform a city and bring hope to the hurting. That vision is now reality with two completed and occupied affordable apartment towers accommodating over 300 families and two more towers are currently being constructed. In the midst of the towers is the new sanctuary seating more than 900 worshippers. I join with everyone praising God for such a miracle and lasting testimony to the goodness of the Lord and the faithfulness of people with purpose and passion to reap the harvest.”
